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NEW SIGNS OF A GROWING VICTORIA

LOTS OF SIGNS ALLOWED FOR CLOCKTOWER

The City of Victoria adopted an ordinance March 22nd that allows for individual business signs for multi-tenant office buildings and multi-tenant retail buildings in downtown Victoria. Reported Holly Kreft, Community Development Director, “The response from the businesses has been positive.”

Stated Terry Hartman, resident of Victoria and owner of the Clocktower, “This will help create viability of our businesses in town. Your approval will indicate your interest in their success.”

Councilmember Jim Paulsen pointed out that the Clocktower is only the second building in town -- Floyd’s is the other -- that parallels Highway 5 and can take advantage of the visibility the highway offers. “This is a real important piece of signage,” he said.

MINOR SUBDIVISION AT BAVARIA ROAD

“SPOT PLANNING” CAUSES “SPLIT VOTE”

Council voted 3-2 to approve a minor subdivision for Peter Isabell for property located on the east side of Bavaria Road and south side of 82nd Street, legally described as Yetzer’s Addition which was platted in 1974. The Isabell parcel is 3.8 acres. Yetzer’s Addition has five parcels (including the Isabell parcel) and totals approximately 20 acres.

West 82nd Street is the alignment of the future expansion of County Road 18 from Bavaria Road to Hwy 41.

Stated City Planner Holly Kreft, “The property is located within the City of Victoria with a Chaska address. They’re requesting to split it into parcel A and parcel B. It is slated for two single family homes- -- the existing home on Parcel A and a new home on Parcel B. Parcel A has a failing septic system.”

Sewer and water are not available to this site. It is not feasible to extend water and sewer from the Woodlands development to the site to accommodate two homes. Both sites require a septic system.

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval, but Councilmember Kim Roden questioned spot planning in Victoria versus regional or area planning.

Stated Councilmember Jim Paulsen, “To me the City of Victoria has a history of assembling parcels in order to plan larger sectors of our city. I don’t think we’re doing what a city is supposed to be doing.” Both he and Councilmember Roden voted against the minor subdivision.

MILLER COORS INVESTS IN VOLKSFEST

COMMITTEE PREPAREES FOR AUGUST EVENT

Jim Crowley and Mary Flynn spoke to councilmembers March 22nd about the re-organization of the Victoria Volksfest event into a nonprofit 501(c)3 with all rights transferred from the Southwest Metro Chamber of Commerce and other entities such as the City of Victoria.

Jim Crowley, president of the Victoria Business Owners Association, stated that ownership of Volksfest is being transferred back to Victoria businesses, that businesses will be charged $75 in annual membership fees to promote local shopping, and planning for this fall’s event which is underway.

Mr. Crowley said that Volksfest would appreciate help from the City of Victoria “with the same scope of activities as in 2009.” This year’s date is Saturday, August 28th.

“Are you asking the city for funds?” posed Councilmember Jim Paulsen.

“Not at this time,” replied Mr. Crowley who added they intend to make sure that funds from the event stay in the city. He reported that MillerCoors has become the “largest single sponsor in the history of Volksfest.” MillerCoors is contributing $4,000 in cash and $1,000 in materials as a Premier Sponsor of the 2010 Volksfest.

Mary Flynn, who is a paid professional event planner, stated they are going to utilize more of the bike trail area along Stieger Lake Lane for the art show this year so that vendors have more space for their wares.

Other officers of the VBOA include Dale Riley of Fresh Seasons (Vice President), Brandon Wallis of School of the Wise (Treasurer and Secretary), Chris Johnson of Power of Life Chiropractic, and Deb McMillan of the SouthWest Metro Chamber.

Stated Councilmember Kim Roden, “It seems you are building a good blueprint for success.”

“It’s certainly well begun,” agreed Councilmember Tom O’Connor.

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Drs. Dungey, Menser & Associates

Victoria and Waconia. 952-443-2816